Shopping with Clove Technology
Choosing between new and refurbished
Clove sells both new handsets and refurbished devices, and the difference matters most when you are comparing prices. The product pages grade refurbished phones as Fair, Good, Very Good or Pristine, with each grade tied to visible wear and a minimum battery health figure. If cosmetic appearance matters to you, the higher grades are the safer choice; if you only need a working phone, a lower grade may be enough.
Checking what you are actually buying
Check the network and SIM details on each product page before buying. Clove's Fairphone listing, for example, describes the device as unlocked and SIM free, and lists the storage and colour options separately. Compare the storage and RAM variants before adding to basket, since the price changes with each option.
Using the trade-in service
If you have an old phone, Clove Recycling can take it in part-exchange style. Its valuation depends on the age and condition of the handset, whether it works, and whether it is network locked. Fully working, unlocked phones in good condition command the highest offers, so it is worth resetting and clearing personal data before you send one in.
Returns and warranty before you buy
Clove's refund policy includes a 14-day unwanted goods option for UK and EU customers, but the phone must be returned in as-new condition, with accessories and packaging, and without any screen or account lock. Faulty goods reported within 30 days can be rejected for a refund or replacement. After 30 days, faults are generally passed to the manufacturer's service centre, so check the warranty terms on each product page before buying.
Fairphone